The joint seminar organized by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) for journalists from Latin America concluded recently. The event was opened by WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill, who emphasized the importance of promoting knowledge and critical discussion on key issues for the future of global trade. She highlighted that these discussions are crucial in the current context marked by significant changes and challenges to the multilateral trading system.
Hill pointed out that Latin America has been a strong advocate for inclusive and sustainable trade, pushing for equitable development and fair access to global markets. She noted that countries in the region have played a crucial role in driving necessary reforms to modernize the WTO, ensuring system sustainability, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security.
Over five days, participants learned firsthand about current issues at the WTO and in world trade. Topics included negotiations on fisheries and agriculture subsidies, plurilateral negotiations, trade policy reviews, and services trade. Presentations also covered goods trade, gender policies, climate change in the new trade context, and reform of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB).
Journalists were also informed about intellectual property's role in trade and how the WTO is preparing for future pandemics.
The seminar received logistical support from the WTO's Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC). It also included meetings with representatives from organizations like the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), United Nations Conference on Trade, and Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL).
Participating journalists work across print media, radio, and television from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay.